Emergency planning for older adults, caregivers and medical equipment

Last checked November 3, 2026

Build this plan with the person receiving care. Record their preferences and the help they actually need, then discuss medication and equipment arrangements with their clinician, pharmacist and device supplier before an emergency.

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The person receiving care has helped choose the plan.Primary and backup helpers have agreed to their roles.Accessible transport and a destination have been confirmed.The pharmacist’s storage and replacement instructions are recorded.The device supplier’s power and relocation plan is recorded.A private, current handover copy is available to authorized helpers.

Name the help and a backup

List the tasks that need assistance, who can provide it and who takes over if that person cannot reach the home. Confirm transport that can accommodate the person and their equipment. Ask potential destinations about access and care arrangements before relying on them.

If medication needs refrigeration

Ask the pharmacist for the product-specific storage range, transport method and instructions if the temperature goes outside that range. Keep those instructions with the medicine list and supplier contact. Follow the label; a general food-refrigerator rule is not a medicine-storage rule. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about uncertain storage or replacement, rather than changing treatment yourself.

If equipment needs power

Ask the manufacturer or supplier which backup power sources are compatible, how long the actual setup can operate and what to do when power is interrupted. Agree on the point at which to relocate and how to get there. Register relevant needs with local services where available, but keep a backup plan: registration is not a guarantee of uninterrupted power. If loss of equipment power creates an immediate threat to life, seek emergency services.

Write a short handover

Keep the essential contact and care instructions available to the people authorized to help. Include communication preferences, supplies, equipment instructions and the location of fuller records. Review the plan with the care team after changes to medication, equipment, mobility or support arrangements.

How this resource was researched

Planning prompts draw on the Red Cross’s older-adult guidance and FDA guidance on medicines and medical devices during disasters. No universal medicine-storage temperature, battery duration or treatment change is prescribed.